Chocolate Egg Cream

An egg cream is a frothy, indulgent drink that tastes similar to an ice cream soda. My dad made them for me all the time when I was a kid, and he showed me the right way to maximize the glorious foam head and was clear that you need a pretzel rod as an edible stirrer. I make my own simple chocolate syrup instead of using the traditional store-bought one.Visit our Drinks & Entertaining page for more icy cool drink recipies, including our Popsicles for grown-ups.

• 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-1/2 Tbs. sugar
• 1 Tbs. boiling water
• 1/2 cup very cold nonfat milk
• 1-1/2 cups seltzer water (not club soda)
• 1 pretzel rod

In a small cup, mix together the cocoa and sugar. Add the water and stir well until a paste is formed. Put the milk in a tall fountain glass. Slowly add the seltzer water. Stir gently. Drizzle the chocolate syrup in slowly, being careful to disturb the foam as little as possible. Stir gently with a tall spoon. Your drink should be two-toned, chocolate brown on the bottom with white foam on top. Serve with a pretzel rod.